Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had a little better week. She even thought of playing with her toys! Here she is keeping watch on her favorite toy. She has 3 of these hard rubber toys and often they will be found in the middle of the floor in a pile. These days she just likes to lay near them and every now and then give them a lick. With her run-in with the robins that I mentioned a couple days ago she was a bit shy about going outside, but The Frog Wrangler is back doing her job of looking for frogs in the lawn and rounding them up.

Frog of the Day

Northwood Press - 1996 Frogs Calendar
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Friday's here and it's an extra long weekend! The weather is getting hot again just in time for the fireworks. Well I got none of my errands done yesterday so I have to try and get some of them done today. It's very inconvenient to have a back with a mind of its own.

This frog item is a 1996 calendar from Northwoods Press. The cover photo was done by Stan Osolinski. The remaining photographs in the calendar are done by various photographers.

Frog of the Day

Popular Imports - Frog Miniature Tea Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Yesterday the Frog Wrangler was attacked! It was attack of the Robins!! A baby robin perched itself on the window ledge right next to my door as I let the Frog Wrangler out. While the Frog Wrangler searched for frogs I said hello to the baby robin. The bird kept chirping back and moved to just the other side of the screen. About that time the Frog Wrangler decided there were no frogs in the yard to wrangle and came running back to come inside when baby robins parents came swooping in to attack. The Frog Wrangler made a mad dash with her tail between her legs. The way she acted the rest of the day I really think her ego has been bruised a little. The idea of a 60 pound dog being bested by a 1 pound bird. Good thing her boyfriend wasn't watching....

This is another of the miniature tea sets from the collection. From Popular Imports, it dates to 1998 and is made of resin. This is one of the more elaborate tea sets which includes the two flowering lilypad cups, frog couple teapot, creamer, sugar, and serving plate.

Frog of the Day

Russ - Frog Flipping Fun
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I feel like I have my living room back this morning. Last night was trash night and all the empty boxes went to the curb. I'm now determined to get the last of the boxes emptied out and find a spot for everthing. First thing today is some grocery shopping - breakfast this morning was a spoonful of peanut butter, and I really dislike peanut butter (unless it's in a cookie!).

This frog item is from Russ Berrie and is a magnetic game they call Flipping Fun. You shake the game so that the little chips in the game are mixed up, some red, some green. Then you use the magnetic want to make all the chips green. A fun child's game. It is item number 18117. I do not have a date.

Frog of the Day

Earthwing - Rainforest Frogs Collector Caps
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I went for a ride yesterday to check out the park where the 4th of July fireworks are going to be held - and I also wanted to find the new soft ice cream place. The park is a huge 110 acre complex so hopefully I'll just be able to follow the crowd. I never did find the ice cream.

It's been a sad week in the animal world this last week. First, what was thought to be the oldest living animal on this planet - Harriet, the Galapagos tortoise passed away at the young age of 176. Then today word has just come in that the loveable dog Moose has died. He was 16 years old. You may remember him as the loveable Eddy on Frasier.

This frog collectible is from Earthwing and is a series of collector caps of Rainforest Frogs. These milk caps are a complete set and date to 1995, depicting mostly poison dart frogs.

Frog of the Day

Topps - Frogger
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

A nice cool night last night and only into the low 80's today. The hibiscus hedge is blossoming as are the daylilies. I guess I ought to get out my to-do list and see what I can finish. So hop to it!

This frog item is a real collector's item. It is from the Topps Gum Co. in conjunction with Sega Enterprises for the great game of Frogger. These promotional cards for the arcade game were little home version scratch-off cards. This is 8 of the 19 cards I have. The 4 center were the ones to find, making up the little poster. The back of those 4 have punch-outs (which are still intact in the cards). This item dates to 1983. This is a pretty rare set.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Tea for Two
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Just a lazy Sunday morning and that's the best kind...

This frog collectible is another in the Frog Fantasy line from Westland Giftware. It is entitled Tea for Two. This handpainted cermic piece dates to 1998 and is style number 3531.

Frog of the Day

Russ - Grow-A-Creature Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It was a nice cool last night and only supposed to be in the low 80's today. Very nice weather indeed. One of the exciting things about moving here is the amount of flowers that previous people have planted. This week the hedge that lines the driveway has broken out in the most beautiful colors - some purple, others white. The look almost like a morning glory type blossom. The cardinals are going nuts hopping all over the bushes. My new t.v. has become the picture window!

This frog item is from Russ and is called Grow-A-Creature. You place the little frog in water and it expands to 200 times its size. It can be dried back to its original size. Not sure of a date for this item.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler has had quite a week. Even with the central air running, she has sure felt the heat. She is shedding like crazy and even with getting brushed every afternoon, the floors need almost daily vacuuming. Most of her days are spent sleeping and she has moved to right next to the air conditioning vents. I know she hasn't been feeling to well but with a break in the heatwave I hope she'll perk up a bit. I snapped this picture the other morning as I was putting up a frog. She has the saddest looking eyes, doesn't she. I think she's telling me enough with the frogs already, it's time to pet me!.

Frog of the Day

1995 Calendar - Fantastic Frogs of the Rainforest
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Friday and we've made it through another week here at Frog Central. The heat wave finally broke somewhat without rough weather. Today I have to finish organizing the office - a job I started yesterday because I couldn't find a thing with all the boxes in here. Frogs are just hopping all over the place - where's the Frog Wrangler.....

This calendar is from 1995 and is called Fantastic Frog of the Rainforest. Photography is by Michael and Patricia Fogden. It was published by Cedco Publishing Company. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar went to CRES - Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego. Their website is http://cres.sandiegozoo.org/ - do check them out, they are doing great work to save some of the world's most endangered species.

Frog of the Day

Natural Wonders - Rainforest Hologram Keyring
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Another day, another 102 degree heat index. The Frog Wrangler is very uncomfortable and last night slept across the air conditioning grate in the floor. I gave her a good brushing and couldn't believe she still had any hair left when I finished!

This frog item is from Natural Wonders and is a Rainforest Hologram Keyring. The flash on the camera made the colors pop out - something is more subtle in natural light. I do not have a date for this item. A nice feature of this is that a portion of the proceeds from the sale went to Conservation International, an organization that is working to preserve the rain forests. If you would like to check out Conservation International you can go to www.conservation.org.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critter Littles - Frog Couple
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I'm running late this morning. I went to make my toast only to find I'm out of bread, cinnamon, and sugar! I can now report that hamburger buns, although bread, just don't taste the same as toast...hmmm, I wonder how the hot dog buns will taste...

This frog collectible is from United Design Corp. and is part of their Stone Critters Littles line. This piece is called Frog Couple and is a mere 3 inches tall. The Stone Critters are a fun item to collect and readily available at a reasonably priced.

Frog of the Day

Pretty Paper - Frog Desk Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's going to be a hot one today - heat index is going to be 100! I think I'll just sit here at my desk in the air conditioning and keep cool.

This is a Desk Set from the Pretty Paper Company. Along with the blotter, it contains an address book, memo pad, and pencils. I'm not sure of the date of this item, but it is pre-1996. That's the year in which the Pretty Paper Company went out of business.

Frog of the Day

Miniature Frog Tea Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning and shaping up to be another hot one. The Frog Wrangler and I are hanging out next to the air conditioning vent waiting for it to come on! Maybe we should have some tea - iced tea please....

This is a miniature frog tea set. I love these little sets and have several of them in my collection. I found this one on e-bay. It has a Made in China sticker on the bottom of the lilypad, but no other information is known about this cute litte set.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Percussionists
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Happy Father's Day! It's a day to let dad do his thing. Bill Cosby says that every dad falls asleep in front of the tv. He sits there on the couch with one shoe off, leg propped up on the couch and snoring loudly. Amazing. My dad can do the same thing in a recliner.......

Here's a father/son duo for the day. From the Frog Fantasy line by Westland Giftware, this lilypad duet is called Percussionists. This piece dates to 1996 and is retired. Handcrafted in China, this piece is style number 3528.

Friday Saturday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

OK, The Frog Wrangler is feeling a little blue and didn't want to go look for frogs. She's upset about the baby bunny taking her spot yesterday. Oh boy, I'm going to pay for this one. I should have known better when I asked her if it was ok to but up the bunny picture. I guess it's going to be treat time quite often today!

Frog of the Day

The Garden Collection - Frog Playing Drums
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Can you hear the drums Fernando..... caught singing again. It's the weekend and I woke up this morning feeling everything I did yesterday. That's the problem with arthritis - you feel good one day and go all out and the next day you pay for it. Guess the Frog Wrangler and I will go listen to the drums.... there was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando....

This frog item is statuary from The Garden Collection according to the tag on the bottom of one foot. It is one of three (the other two have already been profiled here). This is made of resin and is very heavy. Together, the three make a great addition to the frog collection.

Friday Dog Bunny Blogging

Baby Bunny
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler is taking a break this week. She's done a lot of photo shoots and she'll be back next week with some of her newest pics. In the meantime, I wanted to put up here a picture of the little baby bunny that took up residence in my yard this last week. I almost didn't see it and at first thought it was some leaves off the tree or something. The grass was taller than the little bunny! It stayed put all day in the same spot - probably waiting for its mother to come and get it. Don't pick up baby bunnies thinking they have been abandoned! The mother rabbit usually only visits the nest twice a day. This little one hopped off sometime during the night and hasn't been seen since - although momma rabbit has been seen from time to time. Good thing the Frog Wrangler didn't see this little one or she'd have given chase.

Frog of the Day

Boyds Folkwear - Frogmorton...Fish Lie
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a long week, but Friday is finally here. I finally finished unpacking the last box for the kitchen. Slowly the place is coming together. The Frog Wrangler is happy to have more floor space on which to shed. Guess I know what I'll be doing today, but I'd rather be fishing...

This frog collectible is from Boyds Bears and Friends and is part of their Fokwear line. This is Frogmorton....Fish Lie. It is a pin and quite cute. Frogmorton is holding his fishing line and conjuring up a story about the big one that got away. It is Boyds style number 26415.

Frog of the Day

Frogs on a Log Band
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's supposed to be 90-92 degrees today. The Frog Wrangler and I are comfortable with the central air running. So today we're going to stay inside and listen to some music. This piece makes me think of Hee-Haw and those guys who used to sing "Room to spare and agony on me, deep dark depression, excessive misery....."

This frog item is called Frogs on a Log Band. It is a resin piece. No manufacturer of date is to be found on the item or the box. It does have a Made in China sticker on the bottom.

Frog of the Day

Radko - Pretty in Green
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Awoke this morning to find my right eye swollen and sore. The Frog Wrangler swears she didn't punch me in the night! In other news, I received the fudge I had ordered from the local peewee baseball team. They're doing alright with a 4-6 record. The important thing is that they're having fun. The fudge is locally made and pretty darn good.

I haven't put up a Rakdo ornament in a while and thought it was about time. This is item number 1010954 - Pretty in Green. This ornament was a spring introduction and like a couple of other spring ornaments was a small production run and hard to find. I searched for quite some time for this ornament and finally found it at Dolly Parton's park, Dollywood, in Tennessee. Just a reminder to keep looking.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Violin Concerto
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Flowers are popping up all over Frog Central. It's been a pleasant surprise to see what the person who lived here before me has planted. Yesterday afternoon I had a real surprise when I was poking around looking at the flowers and came across a baby bunny. It was so tiny the grass was taller than it. This is the season of amore - so go to that fancy restaurant and listen to the music of the strolling violinist.

This frog collectible is another in the Frog Fantasy series from Westland Giftware. This one is known as Violin Concerto. This whole collection of Frog Fantasy is retired and dates to 1995. Nicely crafted pieces that I'm happy to have added to the collection.

Frog of the Day

The Glass Gallery - Crystal Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning and ready for another week here at Frog Central. I'm running a little late this morning because I had to get a haircut. The Frog Wrangler wasn't sure it was me at first!

This frog item is from The Glass Store and is part of their Crystal Collection. It is a hand blown glass frog. It is a cute little guy - only 1 x 1 inch. I do not have any other information about this frog.

Frog of the Day

Stone Critters Babies - Nadine Bullfrog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Sunday morning and a good day to sleep in a bit. The Frog Wrangler seconded that idea - as a matter of fact, she's still asleep! I got busy checking the frog inventory and pulled a new box for items to put up here and it's full of wonderful frogs ready to show off.

This frog collectible is from United Design. It is from their Stone Critters Babies line and is Nadine Bullfrog. She looks lovely playing grown-up with her necklace, flowers, and blush. United Design's inventory number SBC-202. I am not sure of the date of this item.

Frog of the Day

Frog Whisk Broom
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Early Saturday morning and the Frog Wrangler wanted to be sure to see the sun rise. And if she's up for it, then I am too. Just the way it goes. Supposed to be a rainy day here at Frog Central so I'll work on an indoor project.

This frog item gives new meaning to wide-mouthed frog! It is a rubber frog that was attached to a whisk broom. I do not have any further information about this item.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow's Prayers
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler likes to nap. In fact it's been tough getting photos of her lately when she's not sleeping! But like all good doggies, here she is saying her prayers before going to bed. That's why all dogs go to heaven.

Frog of the Day

Soutter-Perrot - Toad
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Friday morning and I can't believe the air conditioning is running full-time already. Temps during the day soaring into the high 80's and Frog Wrangler with her fur coat gets very uncomfortable with that much heat. Even the toads are looking for the relief of some cool mud bog. No, really, I read it in this book!

This frog (toads are honorary frogs in my book) item is a book. It is from the Brighter Child series and was printed in Italy by Creative Education. It says on the bottom "My First Nature Book." Written by Andrienne Soutter-Perrot and Illustrated by Monique Felix. It was published in 1993 and gives the life cycle of a toad over 32 pages. Each page has a basic one sentence about the toad and a beautiful illustration. A very nice book from Italy.

Frog of the Day

Freedom Greetings - Frog Congratulations Card
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The Frog Wrangler and I have had a bad morning all around here at Frog Central. The Frog Wrangler's a bit better after the air conditioning was turned on yesterday, but she had to remind me this morning how bad she felt yesterday by promptly finding the most well traveled spot in the whole house and throwing up. Even with a back ache you clean it up. Then I had to eat something so I could take my morning pills - ugh!

This is a card from Freedom Greetings in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. It is from their line Kids, One to One. The inside says "Congratulations! I'm Really Impressed!" I received this card in 1999.

Frog of the Day

Gifts For Home - Frog Topper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been pretty nice temperature-wise here at Frog Central. A good day to sit out on the lilypad and be thankful the apocolypse didn't happen yesterday.

This frog collectible is from Gifts For Home and is a Frog Topper. It can be used on those decorative jars that have candles in them for example. This dates to 2000. It is a resin figure on a cork base. The maker is listed as TCR and was made in China.

A Little Crazy Frog

Ok, I knew it was out there, so here it is. A little fun for the day.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Guitar Serenade
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Oh give me a home where the froggies roam.... Uh oh, caught singing again. I'm finally enjoying some fresh air - 59 degrees last night and instead of getting some nice cool breezes and good sleeping weather, I had to close up the windows and grab a gas mask. You guessed it, the skunk was back last night and he was marking his territory! It's enough to make your eyes water.

This frog collectible is another of the Frog Fantasy line from Westland Giftware. This piece is called Guitar Serenade and dates to 1995.

Frog of the Day

Youngs, Inc. - Frog Tea Set
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Monday morning and another great day in America's heartland. Supposed to be 82 degrees today, so after a cooling night I went around and closed up the windows to keep the cool air inside. Of course later we may take a ride on the USS Puddle Jumper.

This frog collectible is a miniature tea set. These little tea sets have become one of my favorite parts of the collection. This is from Young's Inc. Labelled as a Frog Tea Set, the lilypad has the inscription of USS Puddle Jumper. This set dates to 1996.

Frog of the Day

B.J. Jones - Legend of the Redneck Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

Living in the middle of nowhere has begun to grow on me. I find I'm blening in with the locals to some degree - getting up around 4 or 5 a.m. is becoming common. I love to sit near the big picture window and listen to the birds. The mourning doves coo constantly and I like to hear them, but I also recognize the call of the cardinals. The little family of cardinals has grown bigger - I saw a small baby one this week take flight. It's also fun watching the robins hop around the lawn finding things to eat - at times they look more like rabbits!

This frog book is by B.J. Jones and is entitled Leged of the Redneck Frog. A wonderful story about the hero of Sweetgum Swamp. This book actually spawned a cottage industry of Redneck Frog items - the author is also a sculptor. Published by Worldcomm in 1997.

Frog of the Day

Ceramic Frog Teapot
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

I wasn't quite sure I would make it to the computer today - that's what you get when you don't take your prescription as prescribed! But it's such a beautiful day, nice and cool with a gentle breeze. I think the Frog Wrangler and I are going to have a spot of tea....

This frog collectible is a ceramic teapot in the Majolica style. The term majolica refers to the glazing techniques that were made popular on the aisle of Majolica. This piece of pottery was purchased from Lillian Vernon and was made in China. I don't have a date that this was purchased, but it was real popular over the last ten years or so and can still be readily purchased, if not from the company directly, than through e-bay.

Friday Dog Blogging

Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

It's been a quiet day here at Frog Central, but the Frog Wrangler is ever vigilant. You never know when a gang of frog thieves are going to come riding in. Rumor has it that Billy the Frog is in town and that's just bad news for everyone! So the Frog Wrangler has taken up her favorite spot of late (sorry about the picture quality, I've tried at least 50 pics of her in this windows and just can't seem to get them to come out right).

The Frog Wrangler loved the air conditioning this last week with temps in the 90+ range. She had gotten used to laying right under the ceiling fan to keep cool - I wonder what she was thinking about when she layed under it with the central air on, the fan's not moving and I'm still cool!

All in all she had a pretty good week and looks forward to seeing you again next week.

Frog of the Day

Frog Fantasy - Piccolo Dance
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

So last night I saw the temp had dropped into the 60's and I went to the window and opened it up - and was hit with humidity so thick it was like pea soup! Thankfully we had a night of a nice gentle rain and this morning with temps in the 50's I was able to open up the windows and let in some nice fresh air. The frogs are so happy they want to dance!

Here is another piece from one of my favorite companie - Westland Giftware. I have written here before about their consistent quality and their whimsical nature that makes them so much fun to collect. This collectible is from their Frog Fantasy line and is called Piccolo Dance. This piece is retired and dates to 1995.

Frog of the Day

Harmony Kingdom - Awaiting a Kiss
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.

The rain that was supposed to hit last night has finally come this morning. So with thunder and lightning all around I guess I should keep this short. I spent last evening reading Sarah Vowell's Assination Vacation. A hilarious read!

This frog collectible is from Harmony Kingdom and is entitled Awaiting a Kiss. The Harmony Kingdom boxes are some of my favorite collectibles. This is handmade in England and dates to 1991.